The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-27
A WONDERFUL RIDE.
How an Elderly Gentleman Went Down a Hill
in San Francisco.

How an Elderly Gentleman Went Down q Hill
in San Francisco.
San Francisco Alta California
A curious and amusing incident occurred yes
terday on Clay-street hill, between Stockton and
Powell streets. An elderly gentleman whose
aldermanic eirth and ford counteuance bespoke
ing slowly up the ascent The day was rather
warm. and the exertion caused the old gentle
man to perspire freely. He had got at least a
quarter of block up the hill when Chinaman
appeared at the corner of Prospect place. wheel
ing one of Fairbanks patent scales before him.
AS ill-luck would have il. he had just rounded
the corner when he placed his foot on a banana
peel. slipped, and fell to the earth. letting the
machine go as he fell The scales started down
hill. The elderly gentleman, startled by the
rumblng noise looked up and for q moment
paralyZed with terror. Inc machine was
coming straight for him. Then he tried to
dodge 1t. He jumped to the edge OF the side
walk. The machine jumped too. He skipped to
the wall, and did the scales. Back ns went,
but the foe still headed him off. He jumped.
and skipped and painted. and perspirsd, but
never once thought of getting off the sidewalk
into the middle OF the street. The machine was
almost upon him. His hat fell off. The few
struggling hairs which ornamented the old gen.
tlennans scalp stood straight up, and every pore
proved foundation of perspiration. Nearer and
nearer came the machine Ha! he would run for
it. He turned, but alas! too late
The deadly machine caught him about the
ankles Up went his feet, and the old gentle
man made the acqain tance posteriori of the
rapidly moving scales. Down the hill they went
together the old gentlemans arms whirling like
a windmill and the wheels of the machine creak
ing out unearthy sounds. TobogRaning was
nothing to it. On Stockton street crossing they
came to a full stop. The old gentleman jumped
to his feet unhurt and glared around freely. He
perceived the smiling countenance of the limo
cent heather who extended his hand with a smile
of childlike simplicity and said:
You alice same big Mclean man. My machine
no made wayee big man alice same you. Him
blakee two places, Suppose you payee me ten
doila for mend hima"
.'You-scoundrelm cried the old gentleman.
purple with rage. How dare you make such a
propostiou2 Ill sue you for damages, Sir. How
dare you let that machine go? By thunder"
The last ejaculation was caused by the speaker
discovering that his indispensables had suffered
severely in the recent toboggan ride down-hill,
and that several passers-by, including some
young ladies, could not fail to observe his pre-
dicament. Great Cesar! what shall dos" he
murmered.
"Mebbe Mclean man alice samee payee me
ten dolla." broke in the Chinese. smiling blandly
at the victims attempt TO hide the state of affairs
ST won't give you a-cent STRIP
allest him. Suppose you give me ten dolla, me
go Mclean man home and bling pants. You
alice same go in Chinaman's house."
"You swindling heather" yelled the victim
he placed his back firmly against the wall. I'M
not give you a cent I'll have you arrested
PHI"
loaded with passengers On the dummy sat the
old genteman's wife, daughter. and several lady
friends. It would never do TO be seen in such
q sorry plight
II suppose I must" he murmured. s'You
heather, go to - Larkiu street and give 'em this
note and I'll give you So"
Five dolla to little. Heap too far. Me go
for ten dolla," replied John.
The victim was Obliged TO give in He made
the bargain and went into the Celestial's home,
waited there until the Chinaman returned. when
he changed his neither garments and took the
car to his home, inwardly vowing never to climb
Clay-street hill again.